Switzerland Seal Davis Cup Success

Roger Federer and Switzerland won the Davis Cup (Photo: PA)

Roger Federer tasted success in the only major tournament to have eluded him as he steered Switzerland to their maiden Davis Cup success.

The world number two beat Richard Gasquet in straight sets to give his country an unassailable 3-1 final lead over France in Lille.

It more than atoned for his day-one loss to Gael Monfils and means that he and compatriot Stan Wawrinka have created more history for Swiss tennis.

With 17 grand slam titles to his name along with an Olympic gold and numerous World Tour and Masters prizes, the Davis Cup was all Federer needed for the full set.

And the 33-year-old was in no mood to delay the party on Sunday, seeing off Gasquet 6-4 6-2 6-2 at the Stade Pierre Mauroy.

Runners-up in 1992, Switzerland have barely had a sniff of Davis Cup success since - a staggering thought considering they have had the talents of Federer at their disposal.

But with Wawrinka now a fully paid-up slam winner himself, they finally found the right combination to reach the top of the world.

One big push: Roger Federer knows victory against Richard Gasquet will guarantee him the only prize that eludes him (Photo: Getty Images)

Federer slumped to his knees after a drop shot sealed the deal, the 33-year-old overcome with emotion.

Victory in France not only vindicates his decision to withdraw from last weekend's World Tour finals at the O2 with a back injury, but also cosigns talk of a rift between he and Wawrinka to the past.

The pair have been successful together before - winning Olympic gold in Beijing - but this is sure to best that achievement.